Roaring Fork
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 583-0000
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Seventh Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Hotel Dining 2007, Hotel Dining 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 5pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Roaring Fork – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
Mirroring its flagship location in Scottsdale, the Roaring Fork's rock walls, leather accents, antler chandeliers and roaring fireplace create a rugged yet inviting western feel. College crowds and other happy hour revelers fill the saloon's barstools and couches. The main dining area, which hosts a mix of locals, legislators, and hotel guests, features a more upscale setting with a black-uniformed wait staff.
The Food
Inventive western flavors with lots of chilies and other spices dot the menu. A piping hot kettle of green chili pork stew and made-to-order guacamole are stars of the appetizer list. The juicy "Big Ass Burger," with grilled poblanos, cheddar and bacon, lives up to its name, while fish tacos and fresh lump crab cakes also thrill (not to mention sides such as green chili mac-and-cheese or crisp seasoned fries). Huckleberries feature in a homemade bread pudding as well as the bar's signature huckleberry margarita.
Hits
The menu's authentic southwestern flavors are consistently inventive and gratifying across the board.
Misses
When the dining room's packed, the wait staff tends to be overwhelmed and service can slip in accordance.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkRenowned Chef/co-owner Robert McGrath offers a wine list specializing in mainly West Coast vintages with a few token Texans.
Save MoneyDaily happy hour, offered from 4:30pm to 7pm in the bar, includes half-price appetizers and drink specials.
ParkingValet parking ($5) is available and worth utilizing on busy nights, given the restaurant's location along Congress Ave.
User Reviews for Roaring Fork
05/13/2008 Posted by dafiedla
After reading some of the negative reviews, I felt compelled to defend The Roaring Fork after my recent visit. My wife and I have an infant son, so nights on the town are few and far between. Her parents decided we needed some time to ourselves, so they came over and told us to get out. We chose the RF for dinner and we were far from disappointed. First off, the restaurant was packed due to a show next door at the Paramount. This didn't affect any of the staffs' personality. Everyone, (host, manager, bartender, and servers included), worked with an upbeat yet professional manner. We were lucky enough to find a seat at the bar and had a couple of incredible margaritas while we waited. The guys behind the bar really seemed to enjoy their jobs and never seemed to let the level of buisiness bother them. One of them suggested we try the lamb chops and fondue plate...Big thumbs up! Soon after this we were seated for dinner. Now the only complaint my wife COULD of had, is our table was behind the bar close to a plasma TV with the Spurs playing on it. Being the wise husband I am, I faced the other direction and nipped this problem in the bud. Our dinner from there was perfect. Our server was upbeat, knowledgeable, and not suffocating. I enjoyed the braised short-ribs via his recomendation and my wife had the enchiladas with jalapeno shrimp.(She's still talking about them) We also tried the green chili mac-n-cheese and tried to pry the recipe from the kitchen with unfortunately no luck. We finished with the apple pie ala mode and cleaned the plate. Over all a perfect dinner! Once again, I was shocked to read anything negative about the Roaring Fork. My wife and I will definitely be going back and would highly recommend it to any of our friends or family.
Pros: Big thumbs up! Service matched the excellent food
Cons: I'd be reaching if I tried
04/23/2008 Posted by Stephdee
My husband and I love to dine out and we chose the Roaring Fork last night. It was fantastic! The staff was energetic and the food to die for. I had the tuna and my husband had a filet. They were extremely busy, which made for great energy. We were having so much fun we stayed in the bar after dinner for cocktails. I would highly recommend the Roaring Fork to my friends.
Pros: valet, wide variety of menu options and good wine list
Cons: not cheap
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